One of the most effective ways to illustrate a point is to use a profound quote from a great historical figure. While there is no shortage of such gems, there are a […]
Some of the Best Things that Didn’t Get Said
Photographers Used to Tell Subjects to Say ‘Prunes’ Instead of ‘Cheese’
Compare photographs from the late 19th century with those of today. Aside from the obvious differences, such as color and changes in fashion, there is one big difference that stands out: no […]
That Time the United States Had an Emperor
Suppose fortune fails to smile upon you. Despite your best efforts at gaining wealth, you are bankrupt and have no professional skills to speak of. You could give up and embrace a […]
You Will Be Surprised At the Words Invented By Presidents
In a slight departure from normalcy, the premise of this article may sound a little iffy, but we certainly don’t want to encourage a bunch of muckrakers or squatters by sugarcoating or […]
The Woman Who Prevented a Suicide and Changed the Course of History
Have you ever heard the name of Helen Niemeyer? Perhaps you would know her by her married name, Helen Hanfstaengl? Probably not. In the crowded pages of history books, there is scarcely […]
The Tragic Tale of a Badly Battered Husband
Sadly, he was a battered husband. There just isn’t any other way to describe it. Mary was highly abusive toward her husband, both emotionally and physically.
Fun Facts About the First Ladies — Part 2
The role of first lady is ambiguous. It is not an elected position, and the Constitution is silent on the issue. By custom, the first lady is the official hostess of White […]
Famous Quotes That Most People Get Wrong
Whether you are giving a speech, writing a paper, or making a point on social media, it’s always helpful to have a good quote from a reliable source to emphasize your point. […]
Abraham Lincoln and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Really Bad Blind Date
Even history’s greatest people can be subject to less-than-stellar love lives. It was 1842 when Abraham Lincoln tied the knot with Mary Todd, a woman whose ambition unquestionably helped propel him into […]
What if the President Goes Stark-Raving Mad? Presidential Succession Due to Disability
UPDATED November 19, 2021 An earlier post answered the question about what would happen if something happens to a presidential candidate during the election process. There, we discussed all kinds of scenarios, […]
Hope for a Nation Seen in the Holding of a Hat
March 4, 1861, dawned in Washington, D.C. It was Inauguration Day. Despite the importance of the day and the fact that it had been on the calendar for a long time, there […]
Abraham Lincoln: Animal Lover-in-Chief
Entire libraries could be filled with books about President Abraham Lincoln. Historians have rightfully praised his vision, intellect, humor, courage, and determination. Any study into the life of this extraordinary man would […]
Totally Awesome Facts About Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
As the release date for Bill & Ted Face the Music approaches, the nerdiness level at Commonplace Fun Facts Headquarters is rising exponentially. In anticipation of the sequel that has been almost […]
The Wit and Wisdom of Adlai Stevenson
Few people came to political life with a quicker wit than Adlai Stevenson II (1900-1965). He made his mark in politics as governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953 and received the […]
The Confidence of Never Meeting Your Intellectual Equal
One of the hallmarks of Abraham Lincoln’s personality was his humility. He frequently used self-deprecating humor to defuse difficult situations.
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